The Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival Returns to Ellsworth Nov. 13–14
The Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival is back!
Presented through a new partnership between Heart of Ellsworth and Woodlawn, this festival celebrates Maine’s cider makers, cheesemakers and agricultural heritage. From downtown restaurants to the Barn at Woodlawn, there are plenty of ways to meet the producers, explore local flavors and gather with friends.
Explore downtown during the Cider Crawl
The Downtown Cider Crawl runs Nov. 9–14 during participating businesses’ regular hours. Restaurants, pubs and cafés will offer apple- and cheese-inspired food and drink specials, giving you a reason to revisit a favorite spot or try somewhere new.
Visit at your own pace, make a purchase and collect stickers on your Cider Passport for an opportunity to enter the festival raffle. Passport pickup information and participating businesses’ offerings will be shared closer to the festival.
Start the weekend with history and live music
On Friday evening, Nov. 13, Woodlawn will host a free Apple History Talk exploring the heritage behind the harvest. Registration is required, with the time and additional details to be announced.
At Fogtown Brewing Company, local band Smoked Salmon will bring psychedelic funk rock to the indoor taproom stage from 6–8 p.m.
Meet the makers at the Festival Market
Spend Saturday morning shopping at the Festival Market, open Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. inside the Barn at Woodlawn. This free, family-friendly market brings together cider, cheese and complementary goods, with opportunities to meet producers and bring home something delicious.
Market admission is separate from the afternoon and evening guided tasting experiences.
Experience The Art of Pairing at 16 State
On Saturday, Nov. 14, from 3:30–5 p.m., chef Ross Florance of La Laiterie and apple historian Todd Little-Siebold will present The Art of Pairing in the Makerspace at 16 State Street.
Surrounded by the current exhibition, guests will explore curated food pairings with French ciders and Maine pommeau, including award-winning pommeau crafted by Jon Stein of Fogtown Brewing Company. Ross brings experience from internationally celebrated kitchens, including Le Bernardin and Per Se, while Todd connects the selections to their history and heritage.
Sponsored by La Laiterie, this fully seated experience offers a select number of tickets at $60 per person. Guests must be 21 or older.
Gather for a guided cider and cheese tasting
Saturday evening continues with Cider + Cheese: Guided Tasting at the Barn at Woodlawn from 6–8 p.m.
Enjoy hard ciders paired with selected cheeses while hearing from participating cider makers. This seated experience offers a chance to ask questions, learn about each pairing and discover new favorites. Portions are intended for tasting.
Sponsored by Crocker House Country Inn, tickets are $30 per person. Advance registration is required, and guests must be 21 or older.
Take a chance on the festival raffle
Festival raffle prizes and entry details will be announced in early November. The drawing will take place at the end of Saturday evening’s guided tasting and will be livestreamed. You do not need to be present to win.
Whether you join the crawl, shop the market or settle in for a tasting, your visit supports the businesses and producers helping these traditions thrive. Thank you to the sponsors, partners and volunteers bringing the festival back to Ellsworth.